The proposed visitor experience will redefine our understanding of “living history”. The Trust has a strong record of imaginative and engaging activity programming, and in supporting high-quality re-enactment and costumed interpretation. Our vision will see the new centre become a hub for an expanded and enhanced programme of events and initiatives. This will be an essential part of the centre’s long-term success, encouraging repeat visits and exploring all aspects of the battle, the wider history, and the cultural legacy.
Battles are real events affecting real people, and this is the underlying message of the Trust’s vision. It also gives the events of 21st September 1745 a longevity beyond the moment when the last guns fell silent. Exploring personal stories, presenting information through live interpreters, and hosting reenactment performers will be important manifestations of that.
The activity programming which supports the core visitor experiences will be an important part of the overall offer, and the centre will be designed to be fit for purpose in accommodating a range of activities and performers.
- Costumed interpreters will regularly bring the history to life, with both internal and outdoor events. The centre will serve as an important support hub for living history societies and enthusiasts.
- An intimate theatre space will facilitate both live performance and film projection, opening opportunities for celebrating the musical and literary legacies of the Jacobite story and creating memorable storytelling events.
- Workshop events will include embroidery sessions, historical tailoring, Gaelic language learning, and historic artefact handling.
- A dedicated education space will enhance the experience for both adult learning and school groups (Jacobite studies are an important part of the primary curriculum).
- A research library and lecture programme will support the facility’s aim to become a centre of excellence for Jacobite studies.
- Commemoration and remembrance will continue to be a key message in the Trust’s programmes, contextualising and understanding the conflict and the people it affected.
PRESTONPANS 1745- 2020 